Being Orlando locals, it’s easy to be used to the “magic” brought to life at Universal Orlando Resort as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: animated window displays, creatures of all sorts, singing shrunken heads, you name it.
But it’s another thing entirely to see that magic brought to life so vividly on a stage in real time. That’s exactly what you get when attending Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, now on its tour stop at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo By Matthew Murphy
The six-time Tony Award-winning play is based on an original story set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry’s youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, befriends Scorpius, Draco Malfoy’s only son. Together, the pair become partners in time and set out on an adventure that changes life as they know it — for better or worse.
Originally, the play was split into two parts, which could be viewed in one day or over the course of two evenings. Now, the production has been restaged for the tour, bringing the entire story together in one show.
Photo By Matthew Murphy
No matter if you’re a fan of the Potter books, movies, or the theme park lands, there’s something for every fan to enjoy in this production. What captivated us most, though, were the incredible special effects and theatrical design that brought the “magic” of the Wizarding World to life.
Photo By Matthew Murphy
There are so many tricks and illusions at play here to make the magic seem real. From a disappearing Harry Potter inside a Ministry phone booth and the surprisingly frightening Trolley Witch with Wolverine-like claws, to real fire representing the Killing Curse (you could feel the heat in the orchestra seats!) and giant flying Dementors. We were spellbound (if you’ll forgive the pun) at the sheer amount of design and effort it takes to make this show “work” and ease you into forgetting you’re in a theater and not in the Wizarding World.
Another aspect of the show that surprised and delighted us was learning that British musician Imogen Heap composed the score for the play, which featured interpolations of several of her songs! It was a treat to recognize the melodies of Headlock and Hide and Seek in portions of the show. While it’s not the score we expected going in, it did add a dark whimsy to the action onstage.
Photo By Matthew Murphy
Of course, a play isn’t a play without its actors, and the cast of the Cursed Child tour is immensely talented. Having to juggle not only the emotion of a father-son and best friend tale onstage, but also carry the weight of one of the most well-known franchises in the world is no easy task, and this cast handles the job well.
We especially loved Danny Bó’s performance as Scorpius. His relationship with Albus (Adam Grant Morrison) is truly the beating heart of the entire production. The pair’s chemistry is very apparent, and seeing them find comfort and support in one another as they bear their fathers’ legacies was compelling to watch.
We had a great time seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Dr. Phillips Center. If you’d like to see the show for yourself during its run, use code HARRY10 for 10% off tickets when buying online directly from the Dr. Phillips Center. This code is valid for all show dates and times through February 15, 2026.
In addition, we encourage you to check out The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Learn more and donate at TheTrevorProject.org.
